Press Statement Going to Vinery Stud

Chris Waller trained Press Statement is being retired, even though he is only three and has won Group 1 races in his first two seasons. He will stand at Vinery Stud beginning later this year.

Peter Orton, Vinery Stud manager, feels that the potential for stud fees for many years outweighed the risk of racing the colt further in light of his desultory fifth place finish in the G1 All Aged Stakes.

After considering three options, Press Statement’s connections chose not to appear in Brisbane or spell the horse and bring him back in the spring to chase additional G1 wins.

Press Statement was unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old. At three, he won the Caulfield Guineas, Stan Fox Stakes and the Hobartville Stakes. Since that G2 win at Rosehill near the end of February, he ran second in the Randwick Guineas and third in an eight-horse field in the G1 George Ryder before his letdown in the All Aged.

Winners of the Caulfield Guineas are frequently viewed as having great stallion potential. By the time the race was half completed, Press Statement had the lead and was never headed the rest of the way and finished the race with nearly a two-length margin.